Question

which is the best use of punctuation?
many people are squeamish around, insects, and rodents.
our instructor taught us techniques (to help us) master welding.
upon hearing her diagnosis, she was filled with one emotion: relief.
the children in her afterschool class tend to be immature (and silly).

Explanation:

• First option: Unnecessary comma after "around" (should be "around insects and rodents").
• Second option: Parentheses misused; "to help us" is essential, so no parentheses needed (should be "techniques to help us master welding").
• Third option: Colon correctly introduces the emotion "relief" after stating "one emotion".
• Fourth option: Parentheses misused; "and silly" is redundant with "immature" and the phrasing is awkward (better as "immature and silly" without parentheses).

Answer:

Upon hearing her diagnosis, she was filled with one emotion: relief.